| |
 |
The bar is the main artery of the Old Ale House. You will notice no
stools, standing room only (three deep at times) – the original
taps, no longer in use. The old ice chest, houses sodas, the only
drink other than ale permissible. You'll find no cash register at
McSorley's – there's never been one and probably never will.
A sign above states "We Trust Here" and shows a pig's behind! Above
the bar, wishbones gather many generations worth of dust from their
perch on the old gas lamp. Look closely and you'll spot an original
wanted poster for Abe Lincoln's assassin as well as Babe Ruth's farewell
photo from Yankee stadium (a donation from the photographer-a regular
himself).
The legendary backroom (where the ale flowed during prohibition),
is adorned with the infamous, and very risque (for its time), portrait
of a nude with her parrot. Until 1970, she was the only female regular
in the place! The old fireplace is also in the backroom-that's where
the original owner-John McSorley held court (as witnessed in a well-known
John Sloan sketch nearby). Above the fireplace is the McSorley's motto
Ð "Be Good or Be Gone", as well as a portrait of Peter Cooper, founder
of Cooper Union. There have been few structural changes to the Old
Ale House, the kitchen being a glaring exception. With the Supreme
Court ruling of 1970 (allowing women entry into McSorley's), the bathroom
became coed. Sixteen years later, a ladies room was installed, displacing
the galley. The kitchen's current niche is the only significant addition
to the original layout. Pub fare at McSorley's is as consistent as
everything else about the place. A daily menu has been established
(and posted on two chalkboards) Ð the prices are as reasonable as
the food is fine.
Previous Page | Page
2 of 3 | Next
Page
|
|
|
|
|
